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THE SOUTHERN OYSTER CO.
COASTAL HOME DECOR
Meet The maker
WHO ARE YOU, WHERE ARE YOU FROM, & WHAT DO YOU DO?
I’m Sarah May Smith, the artist and founder behind The Southern Oyster Co., based in Augusta, Georgia. My work draws from the quiet beauty of the coast and the timeless charm of the South. I love taking something simple and natural — like an oyster shell — and transforming it into a piece that feels personal and enduring. Whether I’m designing gilded oyster jewelry or crafting a set of napkin rings inspired by a certain local golf course, I approach each piece as a small work of art — a reminder that beauty can be found in what the sea leaves behind.
DESCRIBE YOUR PROCESS.
Each piece begins with a sustainably sourced oyster shell, carefully chosen for its natural shape and texture. I apply my original designs printed on delicate rice paper, finish each one with hand-gilded gold leaf, and seal it with a clear, enduring finish.
WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
I’m endlessly inspired by the quiet beauty of the coast — the colors of the sea, the shimmer of sunlight on water, and the sense of calm that drifts in with the tide. I love creating pieces that capture that feeling and bring it into everyday life — jewelry and décor that feel refined yet natural, elegant yet easy to wear or display.
Each design begins with something simple and real — an oyster shell shaped by the sea — and becomes a small work of art meant to be cherished. My hope is that every piece carries a bit of that coastal serenity and Southern grace wherever it goes.
FUN FACT ABOUT YOU.
Fun fact: I’m a mom of five — including two sets of twins! There’s never a dull moment in our house, and I think that joyful chaos inspires a lot of my creativity.
FAVORITE THING ABOUT DOWNTOWN AUGUSTA.
Downtown Augusta has a charm all its own — a mix of history, creativity, and community that I find endlessly inspiring. I love that it’s big enough to feel vibrant but still small enough to feel like home.
It’s a place where Southern hospitality meets creative energy, and I’m so grateful to share my work in a community that values both tradition and artistry.
WHY DO YOU LOVE TO DESIGN, CREATE + MAKE?
Creating has always been where I find calm and joy — it’s the space where my hands can be busy and my heart can be still. I love the process of turning something simple into something special, of watching a plain shell become a small work of art.
Designing, making, and creating allow me to pour beauty, meaning, and intention into everyday life. It’s deeply fulfilling to know that something I’ve made can bring a bit of light, warmth, or memory into someone else’s home. That’s what keeps me creating — the chance to make something that feels personal, lasting, and full of heart.
WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD SHARE WITH OTHER ARTISTS + MAKERS?
Just go for it! Follow what inspires you and run with it.